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Product Description

Neck：Cedoro
Fingerboard：Ebony
Finish:Polyurethan
Tuning Machine：Ramirez
String height：1string 2.9mm/6string 4.0mm

【Profile】
With over a century of legacy, Jose Ramirez is one of the most iconic names in Spanish guitar making. Established by Jose Ramirez I (1858–1923), the brand has remained a cornerstone of classical guitar craftsmanship across five generations. Today, the Ramirez workshop continues to serve musicians around the globe with a reputation built on quality, innovation, and tradition.

The golden era of the “Ramirez Dynasty” is often associated with Jose Ramirez III (1922–1995), whose leadership brought innovation and global acclaim. Instruments from this period introduced bold design changes while maintaining the signature tonal warmth of the brand. Notably, the 1A model, introduced in 1964, became one of the most recognized classical guitars of the 20th century. It featured a cedar top (instead of spruce), deeper body, double sides with inner cypress lining, and a 664mm scale length. It also adopted a synthetic resin finish, departing from traditional shellac, contributing to both its durability and the rich, “Ramirez tone” – a sound known for its sweetness and projection.

Craftsmen like Paulino Bernabé and Mariano Tezanos helped develop a unique workshop system that allowed high production volumes without compromising on handcraft quality. These innovations shaped not only the identity of Ramirez guitars but also set new standards in the classical guitar world.

The legacy continued with Jose Ramirez IV (1953–2000), who officially joined the workshop at 18 and eventually took over the business with his sister Amalia Ramirez. Under their stewardship, the brand adapted to changing market needs by introducing studio models and adopting more standard scale lengths like 650mm. Though Jose IV passed away in 2000, Amalia has carried forward the family’s vision with ongoing product development and refinement.

Today, models built during the era of Ramirez III and IV—especially those from the 1960s with luthiers' initials inside—are highly prized by collectors and players alike, not least because of their close association with legends like Andrés Segovia.


【Description】
This Jose Ramirez C650 Auditorio Tradicional (Class 1A), made in 2011, represents a modern evolution of the classic Ramirez lineage. It was first released the same year and showcases the workshop’s adoption of modern features while staying true to its traditional roots.

■ Key Features:
Top: Cedar Double-Top (Nomex core sandwich construction)

Fingerboard: Raised (elevated past the 12th fret for improved access)

Frets: 20 (high E string side)

Scale: 650mm

Weight: 1.70kg

Resonance pitch: Set to G#

Original Hard Case Included (One latch missing, functional)

The double-top design—a cedar-Nomex-cedar laminate—provides outstanding volume and responsiveness, catering particularly to concert-level performers. The Nomex core (a honeycomb-structured synthetic fiber developed by DuPont, commonly used in aerospace and high-performance applications) contributes to the guitar’s lightness and structural integrity.

Internally, the bracing mirrors that of traditional Ramirez 1A models:

Three main bars including two harmonic bars (above and below the soundhole), with the lower bar intersected diagonally by a third bar.

Six fan braces – two treble-side, three bass-side.

Two closing bars at the lower bout and a bridge plate under the saddle area.

This structural setup supports a powerful yet nuanced tone. Rather than emphasizing the percussive punch often associated with double-tops, this model projects a refined, singing treble voice backed by a clear and strong bass—a signature Ramirez character. The sound is expressive, full-bodied, and ideal for melodic articulation.

【Condition】
Top: Scattered small dents (1–3mm), especially near the bass-side edge; minor scratches also present.

Back & Sides: Only superficial wear from normal use; well-maintained overall.

Neck: Straight with light wear (frets 1–5), does not affect playability.

Neck Shape: Unusually slim D-profile for a Ramirez, offering a comfortable grip.

Action: 2.9mm (1st string) / 4.0mm (6th string) at 12th fret

Saddle Height: 1.5–2.0mm remaining (with shim installed)

This instrument is a superb example of Ramirez craftsmanship blending with modern playability. Whether for the discerning collector or the active performer, this 2011 C650 Auditorio Tradicional is both an inspiring and practical choice.